Hold the phone: Stimulus scams going low-tech

New York State officials are warning consumers that attempts to rip off people with the lure of federal economic stimulus money has gone low-tech. Potential victims are now receiving phone calls, rather than the traditional e-mail seeking extensive personal information as well as money.

New York State Consumer Protection Board spokeswoman Deborah Sturm Rausch said her agency has received complaints from various parts of the state about the scam and believes the calls are being placed elsewhere in the country, as well. Another twist, she said, is that people in Spanish-speaking communities are being targeted.